Editor’s Note
This article explores the staggering world of high-stakes auctions, detailing five pieces of jewelry whose record-breaking sale prices reflect their extraordinary history, rarity, and craftsmanship.
Jewelry is not just a means to look beautiful. It also narrates tales of luxury and regal splendor. Rare pieces adorned with diamonds are already expensive. However, when they are auctioned, their price can increase up to tenfold. Today, we will tell you about the 5 most expensive pieces of jewelry ever sold at auction. We can confidently say that their prices will leave you astounded.
Blue diamonds are rare in themselves, but the Hope Diamond is in a league of its own. The necklace in which it is set has become the world’s most expensive piece of jewelry. It was not sold at an auction, but it was insured for 2,250 crore rupees. The Hope Diamond is 45.52 carats and is set in the center of the necklace. It was purchased in the 17th century by King Louis XIV of France and holds a significant place in history.
Graff’s Peacock Brooch is a magnificent example of grandeur and artistry. It was not sold at an auction but was presented as a masterpiece at The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF). This brooch is set with over 1,300 diamonds, with a total weight of 120.81 carats. This peacock-shaped brooch, adorned with white, pink, blue, and yellow diamonds, is valued at 900 crore rupees. Graff has made only one piece of this brooch.
The ‘Pink Star’ diamond is the third most expensive piece of jewelry sold at auction and the world’s most expensive gemstone. It was auctioned in 2017 in Hong Kong by Sotheby’s for 640 crore rupees. This 59.60-carat diamond was discovered by De Beers in 1999 in South Africa. It is a massive, rare diamond with a natural pink color. This is the reason it was sold for such a high price.
The ‘Oppenheimer Blue’ diamond is part of this list and is the world’s second most expensive gemstone. This blue diamond is set in a platinum ring, flanked by two trapezoid-shaped diamonds. It is 14.62 carats and was auctioned in 2016 in Geneva by Christie’s for 516.95 crore rupees. It was discovered by De Beers in South Africa, and the company’s owner, Philip Oppenheimer, gifted it to his wife.
The L’Incomparable Diamond necklace is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s most valuable necklace. It features a rare 407.48-carat yellow diamond, which is the largest flawless diamond ever found. It was purchased by Nita Ambani and gifted to her elder daughter-in-law, Shloka Mehta. The entire necklace is set with a total of 637 carats of diamonds and is valued at 495 crore rupees.